Mom grew up in a Christian home and was baptized August 1954 in the little river by Bertwell, Saskatchewan. She loved the Lord and through her hospitality and desire for all to know Him, told many people about her Saviour. Mom was a member of the Salvation Army for many years and was involved with the youth, ladies club, and music ministry. Having taught herself at a young age to play the accordion she only needed to hear a chorus or song once and she could play it. Her final home church was The Pas Christian Fellowship. Mom was born Tuesday, August 4, 1936 at Middle Lake, Saskatchewan and was raised on the family farm at Weekes. She attended Neely Lake School and received her education there from Grade 1 to Grade 9. She was always a hard worker and being the eldest daughter, with no brothers, she worked hand in hand with her father on the farm. Mom proudly became a “second mother” to her two baby sisters. Sharon arrived in the family on Mom’s 12th birthday and Florie on New Years two years later. Mom met the love of her life, Mel Haggstrom, when she was working as a hired girl for Mel’s mom who was ill. They were united in marriage, April 17, 1954 at the Neely Lake Hall. Mom worked along side dad on the farm in the summer and cutting pulp and running the cook shack for dad and his hired men in the winter. Their son, Elof was born in 1955 and due to his health they decided to move from the farm at Weekes to The Pas. Being no stranger to hard work Mom decided to become a foster parent and looked after many, many babies and young children that she loved and treated as her own, Shirley was born in 1961 and Valerie followed shortly after in 1963. I guess mom then thought she had her hands more than full and quit fostering. Over the years she still took on extra jobs while her children were in school. For many years she embroidered parkas for Kerr’s Furs teaching her young daughter-in-law and daughters just how to do it right. Mom was always in charge of “marking” and would amaze us all with the speed in which she could do it. She also worked as a dishwasher and prep-cook at the Laverendrye Motel and then many years as a custodian for Kelsey School Division until quitting due to her health. Retirement didn’t mean slowing down though, it was then that she took up sewing more seriously and anyone who knew her knew about all her quilts. She made baby quilts that are likely still wrapped around someone’s baby. Her children and grandchildren were always lucky enough to have homemade quilts from grandma. After the loss of dad her telephone became her lifeline to so many people and we’re sure that many will remember hearing from mom on various occasions. Mom’s family was the most important thing to her, as long as we were all safe and happy, then she was happy too. She was extremely proud to be grandma to her four grandchildren and loved them all with all her heart. Mom passed away Saturday, October 30, 2010 at St. Anthony’s Hospital, The Pas, Manitoba, age 74 years. She leaves to cherish her memory her son Elof (Rosemary) Haggstrom; daughters, Shirley (Gordon) Murray and Valerie (Gunter) Beil; her precious grandchildren, Ryan Murray, Ginny Haggstrom, Rhiannon and Justin Beil; her sisters, Sharon (Mel) Bugera and Florie (Ken) Bennett and their children Keith Bugera and Cynthia Bugera (Luke), Sherri (Clarence) Olson (Brooke and Garret); “sister” Eileen Pilling; many nieces and nephews on Mel’s side, and extended family members and friends. Mom was predeceased by Mel “Dad” November 28, 2007; her parents, John and Frances Rothenberger; niece, Bev Bennett. A service of remembrance to celebrate Norma’s life was held Saturday, November 6, 2010, 1:00 pm at The Pas Christian Fellowship Church, The Pas, Manitoba, with Pastor Ziggy Froese presiding. Music ministry was provided by Martyn and Jackie Snell. Scripture reading was proclaimed by Eileen Pilling. Memories of the heart were shared by Donna Butler and Pat Plett and the eulogy was delivered by Norma’s son-in-law Gunter Beil. Interment followed at Lakeside Cemetery, The Pas, Manitoba. Urn bearer was Norma’s grandson Justin Beil. Honorary Pallbearers were Ryan Murray, Ginny Haggstrom, Rhiannon Beil, Keith Bugera, Clarence Olson, Brian Bourgeois, Michael Werbicki. Ushers were Wayne Collins and David Collins. In friends so desire, donations to The Pas Christian Fellowship Church, Box 4030, The Pas, Manitoba, R9A 1S5, would be appreciated by Norma’s family.